Methods and apparatus for supporting quality of service in a system including a cable modem termination system and wireless communications link

ABSTRACT

A cable communications network provides an alternative communications path between a user equipment device and a data network to a cellular path for a communications session with a desired level of Quality of Service. A cable modem termination system, coupled to a wireless core network, e.g., a 5G core network, interacts with the wireless core network to attempt to establish a PDU session for a UE with a desired QoS level. The core sends a QoS service request message to the CMTS including a requested level of QoS, an IP address and port number for the session. The CMTS and cable modem, corresponding to the UE, negotiate and decide if the request desired QoS level can be supported over the cable between the CMTS and the cable mode for the session.

FIELD

The present invention relates to communication methods and apparatus,and more particularly, to methods and apparatus for supporting and/orproviding desired levels of Quality of Service for protocol data unit(PDU) sessions where the communications path traverses a cable modemtermination system (CMTS) in addition to a wireless link.

BACKGROUND

3GPP 5G promises new capabilities, e.g., network slicing, ultra-lowlatency, highly scalable and cloud friends, Unified Security and Policy,mobility on demand, etc., to support a variety of businessopportunities. Multiple System Operators (MSOs) are chartering into therealm of using 3GPP radio access technology to complement their existingfixed-cable assets.

In general a cable network authenticates a cable modem based on e.g.,Media Access Control (MAC) address. Multiple user devices, e.g., userequipments (UE1) and UE2 which are coupled to a modem, are typically notvisible in the cable network, as they are normally sharing the same IPaddress using network address translation (NAT) locally. Typically, thebandwidth being provided to these UEs are not differentiated and arenormally based on best effort. On the other hand the cable network canprovide dedicated bandwidth to support telephony service because thevoice telephone line is treated like a separate cable mode with adifferent MAC address.

While cellular communications, e.g., 3GPP cellular, for UE devicesoffers different quality of service options for data sessions, cellularcommunications can be costly and the available wireless cellularbandwidth may be limiting factor. UE communications via a communicationspath including WiFi and a cable network backhaul may be less costly fora user and/or the available WiFi resources, in at least someembodiments, may not be a limiting factor. However, as described abovetypical cable networks are not implemented to support various options ofdesired QoS levels on a per session basis for a particular data flowcorresponding to one of a plurality of UEs attached to the same modem.

Based on the above discussion, there is a need for new methods andapparatus to address the technical problem of how to support multiplelevels of QoS for a session data flow corresponding to a UE whichcommunications via a wireless link in combination with a link between acable modem and cable modem termination system. It would be advantageousif at least some of these new methods and apparatus allowed for the sameor similar QoS levels for a session flow when using the cable network aswhen using the wireless cellular network. It would also be advantageousif at least some of these new methods for improving cable network userexperience reused parts and/or features of an existing cellular network.

SUMMARY

In some exemplary embodiments, in accordance with the present invention,cellular wireless core network, e.g., a 3GPP 5G core networkarchitecture, is reused to provide the same or nearly the same qualityof service experiences to a MSO subscriber regardless of whether theuser is using: i) non-3GPP radio, e.g. WiFi, via fixed cable backhaul,or ii) 3GPP radio, e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE)/New Radio (NR), witha dedicated backhaul, e.g., a dedicated backhaul over fiber. In variousembodiments, a user equipment (UE) device, which may be one of aplurality of UEs attached to the same cable modem, can request on a perprotocol data unit session (PDU) basis, and may be provided, the same ornearly the same level of QoS over the backhaul of the cable network,e.g. between the cable modem and the cable modem termination system(CMTS), as would be provided over the cellular network. Thus in someembodiments, a UE device may, and sometimes does switch between acellular network path to a cable network path, e.g., using the leastcostly path which is currently capable of providing the desired level ofQoS for a session.

In some embodiments, a cable communications network provides analternative communications path between a user equipment device and adata network to a cellular path for a communications session with adesired level of Quality of Service. A exemplary cable modem terminationsystem (CMTS), implemented in accordance with features of the presentinvention, which is coupled to a wireless core network, e.g., a 5G corenetwork, interacts with the wireless core network to attempt toestablish a PDU session for a UE with a desired QoS level. The coresends a QoS service request to the CMTS including a requested level ofQoS, an IP address and port number for the session. The CMTS and cablemodem corresponding to the UE negotiate and decide if the requestdesired QoS level can be supported over the cable between the CMTS andthe cable mode for the session.

An exemplary communications method, in accordance with some embodimentscomprises: receiving, at a cable mode termination system (CMTS), a QoS(Quality of Service) request requesting a desired level of QoS for aProtocol Data Unit (PDU) session for a user equipment device (UE), saidQoS request including an IP address and port number used forcommunicating with the UE via a cable modem and said CMTS; and sending,from the CMTS, a QoS request result message communicating to a wirelessnetwork core a response to the QoS request.

An exemplary communications system, in accordance with some embodiments,includes: a cable modem termination system (CMTS) including: a receiverconfigured to receive, at a cable mode termination system (CMTS), a QoS(Quality of Service) request requesting a desired level of QoS for aProtocol Data Unit (PDU) session for a user equipment device (UE), saidQoS request including an IP address and port number used forcommunicating with the UE via a cable modem and said CMTS; and atransmitter configured to send, from the CMTS, a QoS request resultmessage communicating to a wireless network core a response to the QoSrequest.

While various features and methods have been described, all embodimentsneed not include all features or steps mentioned in the summary.Numerous additional features and embodiments are discussed in thedetailed description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a drawing of a simplified cable network setup with dedicatedbandwidth allocated for a telephone application, while other data iscommunicated using best effort.

FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating 3GPP 5G architecture in accordance withTS 23.501.

FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating 3GPP 5G architecture in accordance withTS 23.501 for non 3GGP access.

FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an exemplary communications system includinga 5G core network, said system supporting 3GPP radio access and non 3GPPradio access for user equipment devices, said system supporting desiredlevels of Quality of Service for a communications path traversing acable modem and a cable modem termination system, in accordance with anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5A is a first part of is an exemplary signaling diagramillustrating an exemplary communications method in accordance with anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5B is a second part of is an exemplary signaling diagramillustrating an exemplary communications method in accordance with anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 comprises the combination of FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an exemplary communications method inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a drawing of an exemplary cable modem termination system(CMTS) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a drawing of an exemplary assembly of components which may beincluded in a CMTS in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a drawing of an exemplary user equipment (UE) deviceimplemented in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a drawing of an exemplary 3GPP core network, e.g., a 5G corenetwork server, implemented in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a drawing of a simplified cable network setup 100 withdedicated bandwidth allocated for a telephone application, while otherdata is using best effort. Network setup 100 includes telephone media102, data network 104, Cable Modem Termination system (CMTS) 106,telephone Application Server (AS) 108, Cable Modem #1 (CM# 1) 110, WiFinetwork 112, voice telephone line 118, User Equipment 1 (UE 1) 114 andUE 2 116. CMTS 106 includes Police Enforcement Point (PEP) 107. Networksetup 100 further includes coaxial cable 118, coaxial cable 120, link122, link 124, link 126, and WiFi link 128. The telephone AS 108 iscoupled to the PEP 107 via policy control interface 128. In thisexample, the telephone application data is communicated betweentelephone media 120 and voice telephone line 118, via coaxial cable 118,CMTS 106, coaxial cable 120, connection 122, and connection 126, usingdedicated bandwidth allocated for the telephone application, asindicated by dashed line path 130. In this example, other data iscommunicated between data network 104 and UE 1 114, via coaxial cable118, CMTS 106, coaxial cable 120, connection 122, connection 126, CM #1110 and WiFi link 128, using best effort, as indicated by dotted linepath 130.

FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating 3GPP 5G architecture 200 in accordancewith TS 23.501. The 3GPP 5G architecture 200 includes a Network SliceSelection Function (NSSF) 202, an Authentication Server Function (AUSF)204, a Unified Data Management (UDM) 206, an Access and MobilityManagement Function (AMF) 108, a Session Management Function (SMF) 210,a Policy Control Function (PCF) 212, an Application Function (AF) 213, aUser Equipment (UE) 216, a (Radio) Access Network ((R) AN) 218, a UserPlane Function (UPF) 220 and a Data Network (DN) 222 coupled together asshown in FIG. 2 . The NSSF 202 is coupled to the AMF 208 via N22interface connection(s) 224. The AUSF 204 is coupled to the UDM 206 viaN13 interface connection(s) 228. The AUSF 204 is coupled to the AMF 208via N12 interface connection(s) 226. The UDM 206 is coupled to the AMF208 via N8 interface connection(s) 230. The UDM 206 is coupled to SMF210 via N10 interface connection(s) 232. AMF 208 is coupled to SMF 210via N11 interface connection(s) 234. SMF 210 is coupled to PCF 212 viaN17 interface connection(s) 236. Components within AMF 208 are coupledto other components within AMF 208 via N14 interface connection(s) 242.AMF 208 is coupled to PCF 212 via N15 interface connection(s) 238. PCF212 is coupled to AF 213 via N5 interface connection(s) 237. UE 216 iscoupled to AMF 208 via N1 interface connection(s) 244. UE 216 is coupledto (R)AN 218 via N13 interface connection(s) 248. (R)AN 218 is coupledto AMF 208 via N2 interface connection(s) 246. (R)AN 218 is coupled toUPF 220 via N3 interface connection(s) 250. UPF 220 is coupled to SMF210 via N14 interface connection(s) 240. Components within UPF 220 arecoupled to other components within UPF 220 via N9 interfaceconnection(s) 252. UPF 220 is coupled to DN 222 via N6 interfaceconnection(s) 254.

In 3GPP 5G system architecture as shown in FIG. 2 , each UE can bedifferentiated by the network and for each UE, each IP flow can beallocated with specific bandwidth or traverse via a specific slice inthe network, based on UE subscription profile and/or applicationrequirements.

FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating 3GPP 5G architecture 300 in accordancewith TS 23.501 for non 3GGP access. 3GPP 5G architecture 300 includes aVPLMN 302 and a non-3GPP network(s) 304. Visited Public Land MobileNetwork (VPLMN) 302 includes a 3GPP access component 306, e.g., a LongTerm Evolution (LTE) or New Radio (NR) wireless access point, e.g. ,base station, a AMF 308, a SMF 310, a Non-3GPP Interworking Function(N3IWF) 312, a UPF 314 and a DN 316. The non-3GPP network 304 includesan untrusted non-3GPP access component 320, e.g., an untrusted WiFiaccess point, e.g., base station. UE 318 may, and sometimes does, belongto both the VPLMN 302 and the non-3GPP network 304.

UE 318 is coupled to 3GPP access component 306 via wireless link 322. UE318 is coupled to AMF 308 through 3GPP access component 306 via N1interface connection(s) 326. 3GPP access component 306 is coupled to AMF308 via N2 interface connection(s) 324. 3GPP access component 306 iscoupled to UPF 314 via N3 interface connection(s) 324.

UE 318 is coupled to untrusted non-3GPP access component 320 via Y1interface connection(s) 340. Untrusted non-3GPP access component 320 iscoupled to N3IWF 312 via Y2 interface connection(s) 342. UE 318 iscoupled to AMF 308, through N3IWF 312, via N1 interface connection(s)334. UE 318 is coupled to N3IWF 312, via NWu interface connection(s)336. N3IWF 312 is coupled to AMF 308, via N2 interface connection(s)338.

AMF 308 is coupled to SMF 310 via N11 interface connection(s) 330. SMF310 is coupled to UPF 314 via N11 interface connection(s) 332. UPF 314is coupled to DN 316 via N6 interface connection(s) 346.

Note that a UE accessing 5G over Data Over Cable Service InterfaceSpecification (Docis) can use the architecture shown in FIG. 3 , via theuntrusted 3GPP access. Ideally, it would be desirable if the samequality of experience (QoE) could be provided to the UE 318 regardlessof which radio access, e.g., cellular or WiFi, is being used to accessthe same network e.g., data network 316, assuming radio link bandwidthis not the bottle neck.

However, this is not possible today for a typical Docis network becausemultiple UEs attached to the same cable modem are not differentiatedwithin the typical cable network. Also without differentiation betweenthe UEs, “slicing” cannot be extended via Docis Network.

As depicted in the exemplary system 400 of FIG. 4 , implemented inaccordance with novel features of the present invention, UE 1 450 or UE2 452 are able to experience the same QoE regardless of which radioaccess is used, provided the QoS request is granted.

In accordance with a feature of an exemplary embodiment, multiple UE'sattached to the same cable modem, e.g. UE 1 450 and UE 2 452, attachedto CM 1 410, can be differentiated within the cable network. Inaccordance with another feature of an exemplary embodiment, “slicing”,can be, and sometimes is, extended via the cable network.

FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an exemplary communications system 400 inaccordance with the present invention. In the exemplary system 400 ofFIG. 4 , UE1 450 and UE 2 452 can be connected to the same server 432via Docsis or 3GPP radio access, using a common 5G core network 404.Exemplary communications system 400 includes a plurality of UEsincluding UE 1 450 and UE 2 452, a 3GPP radio access network 402′, e.g.,a LTE/NR network, including a 3GPP LTE/NR radio node 402, e.g., LTE/NRbase station or access point, a non-3GPP radio access network 408′,e.g., a WiFi radio access network, including a non-3GPP access point408, e.g., a WiFi base station, a 5G core network 404 including N3IWF406, AMF 407, PCF 418, and UPF 409, a CM#1 410, a voice telephone line412, a CMTS 414 including a Policy Enforcement Point (PEP) 416, acoaxial cable 420, a connection 422, a connection 424, a connection 426,a data network 430 and a server 432, coupled together as shown in FIG. 4. In various embodiments, connections 422, 424 and 426 are part ofcoaxial cable 420. Each UE (450, 452) includes a wireless receiver, awireless transmitter, a processor, memory, an assembly of hardwarecomponents, e.g., circuits, an input device and an output device,coupled together via a bus over which the various elements mayinterchange data and information. UE 450 includes processor 451.

UE 1 450 is coupled to 3GPP radio access component 402 via 3GPP wirelesslink 454. UE 1 450 is coupled to non-3GPP radio access component 408 vianon-3GPP wireless link 456, e.g., a WiFi wireless link. UE 2 454 iscoupled to 3GPP radio access component 402 via 3GPP wireless link 458.UE 1 454 is coupled to non-3GPP radio access component 408 via non-3GPPwireless link 460, e.g., a WiFi wireless link.

The 3 GPP radio access component 402, e.g., a LTE/NR base station, iscoupled to the 5G core network via communications link 463. 3GPP radioaccess component 402 is coupled to the 5G core network 404 via N2interface connection 462 and via N3 interface connection 464. Thenon-3GPP radio access component 408 is coupled to CM#1 410 via WiFi link428. CM#1 410 is coupled to CMTS 414 via connection 424, connection 422and coaxial cable 420. Voice telephone line 412 is coupled to coaxialcable 420 via connection 426 and connection 424.

CMTS 414 is coupled to the N3IWF 406 of 5G core network 404, via link477. The PEP 416 of CMTS 414 is coupled to AF 418 via policy controlinterface 478. The PEP 416 is coupled to N3IWF 406 of 5G core network404 via QoS control 476. CMTS 414 is coupled to the 5G core network 404via communications link 477.

The 5G core network 404 is coupled to data network 430 via link 472. Thedata network 430 is coupled to server 432 via link 474.

FIG. 5 , comprising the combination of FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, is asignaling diagram 500, comprising the combination of Part A 501 and PartB 503, illustrating exemplary components of system 400 of FIG. 4including UE 450, 3GPP RN 402, Wi-Fi AP 408, CM 410, CMTS 414, 5G corenetwork 404 including N3IWF 406 and AMF 407, and further illustrating anexemplary communications method in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment. Network Address Translator (NAT) 514 is included in WiFi AP408 or CM 410 or is accessible to Wi-Fi AP 408 or CM 410. In someembodiments, the WiFi Access Point 408 and the Cable Modem 410 andco-located within device 507.

In step 502, cable modem (CM) 410 generates and send a cable moderegistration signal 504 to cable modem termination system (CMTS) 414. Instep 506 CMTS 414 receives cable modem registration signal 504 andprocesses the registration request. In step 508 the CMTS 414 decides toregister CM 410, assigns an IP address to CM 410, e.g., IP#A, generatessignal 510 communicating the assigned IP address, IP#A, and sends thegenerated signal 510 to CM 410. In step 512 CM 410 receives signal 510and recovers the communicated assigned IP address, IP#A.

In step 516, UE 450 generates and sends a UE connection request signal518 to WiFi AP 408, which is received in step 520 by WiFi AP 408. Instep 520, WiFi AP 408 uses Network Address Translator (NAT) 514 todetermine a private WiFi network address, e.g., address IP#B, for UE450. In step 524, WiFI AP 408 generates and transmits UE connectionestablishment signal 526 to UE 450 communicating address IP#B. In step520, UE 450 receives UE connection establishment signal 526 and recoversthe information communicated in signal 526 including address IP#B.

In step 530 and 532, the UE 450, and Non-3GPP Interworking Function(N3IWF) 406 of 5GC core network 404 send and receive signals toestablish an IP SEC tunnel 534 between the UE 450 and the N3IWF 406. Instep 536, as part of the tunnel establishment, the N3IWF 406 sees the UE450 with address IP#A. In step 538 the N3IWF 406 becomes aware of the UEassigned IP address, IP#A, which was assigned to the CM 410 from theCMTS 414.

In step 540, the UE 450 generates and sends a Non 3GPP accessauthentication signal 542, to the Access and Mobility ManagementFunction (AMF) 407 of the 5G core 404. Non-3GPP access authenticationsignal 542 includes user ID and network slicing information. Signal 542is received by AMF 407 in step 544, and AMF 407 recovers thecommunicated information. In step 546, AMF 546 processes theauthentication request and obtains 5G user authentication. In step 548,tha AMF 407 generates and sends access granted signal 550 to UE 450. Theaccess granted signal 550 includes a 5G Globally Unique TemporaryIdentifier (GUTI) and Allowed Network Slice Selection AssistanceInformation (A-NSSAI). Thus access granted signal 550 conveys that UE450 has been granted access and has been given a 5G identity andinformation to identify network slicing information. In step 552 UE 450receives access granted signal 550 and recovers the communicatedinformation.

The tunnel establishment signals for establishing the IP sec tunnel 534between the UE 450 and N3IWF 406, the non-3GPP access authenticationsignal 542 and access granted signal 550 are communicated using a besteffort path between the CM 410 and CMTS 414, as indicated by dotted box509.

In step 554, UE 450 generates and sends protocol data unit (PDU) sessionestablishment request signal 556 to AMF 407 of 5G core 404. PDU sessionestablishment request 556 includes a PDU session ID, Session and ServiceContinuity (SSC) mode, and type. In step 557 the CM 410 is operated tocommunicate the PDU session establishment request 556 being sent fromthe UE to the 5G wireless network core 404 to establish a new PDUsession for the UE 450. In step 559 the CMTS 414 is operated tocommunicate the PDU session establishment request 556 being sent fromthe UE to the 5G wireless network core 404 to establish a new PDUsession for the UE 450.

In step 558, AMF 407 of 5G core 404 receives PDU session establishmentrequest signal 556 and recovers the communicated information. In step560 AMF 407 generates and sends PDU request signal 562 to N3IWF 406. PDUrequest signal 562 includes QoS profiles. In step 564, N3IWF 406receives the PDU request signal 562 and recovers the communicatedinformation.

In step 566 and 568 the N3IWF 406 of the 5GC 404 and the UE 450communicate PDU session signaling 570 to create a child securityassociation (ch-SA) and to communicate information for the new PDUsession. Information communicated in PDU session signaling 570 includeschild security association information for the new PDU session alongwith an IP address and port number to be used by the new PDU session.Port Numbers, e.g., ports numbers in UDP headers, can be used toidentify individual endpoints, e.g., individual UEs, “behind” the NAT,e.g., NAT 514. In step 567 the CM 410 is operated to communicate PDUsession signaling 570, which is being communicated between the UE 450and the N3IWF 406 of the 5GC 404, which is a wireless network core. Instep 569 the CMTS 414 is operated to communicate PDU session signaling570, which is being communicated between the UE 450 and the N3IWF 406 ofthe 5GC 404, which is a wireless network core.

In step 572 the 5G core 404 receives: bandwidth information and latencyinformation that the UE is using for the application or applications forthis PDU session. In step 573 the 5G core 404 discovers that the CMTSthat is serving the UE 450 is CMTS 414 based on the IP address assignedto the UE 450 via CM 410, which is IP address IP#A.

In step 574, the N3IWF 406 generates and sends QoS request signal 575 toCMTS 414. QoS request signal 575 includes a QoS request informationindicating a desired level of QoS for a PDU session for UE 450 andIP.port instruction information, e.g., an IP address and port numberused for communicating with the UE 450 via the cable modem 410 and theCMTS 414. In some embodiments, QoS request signals includes informationcorresponding to multiple created child security associations. In someembodiments, the QoS request signal 575 includes required bandwidth andlatency information associated with each security association (SA) orchild security association (ch-SA) based on IP/Port# to CMTS forscheduling purposes. In step 576, CMTS 414 receives signal 575 andrecovers the communicated information. Thus, in step 576 the CMTS 414receives QoS request 575 requesting a desired level of QoS for a PDUsession for UE 450, said QoS request 475 including an IP address, e.g.,IP address IP#A, and port number used for communicating with UE 450 viacable modem 410 and CMTS 414. In some embodiments, the PDU session is aprotocol data unit session over a logical connection between UE 450 anda data network, e.g., data network 430, which traverses the CM 410 andthe CMTS 414.

In step 577 and 578 the CMTS 414 and CM 410 communicate cable modemconfiguration signaling 579 and negotiate bandwidth based on serviceflow ID information and IP port # mapping information. Thus, in step 577the CMTS 414 is operated to negotiate with the cable modem 410 todetermine if the requested QoS can be supported.

In step 580, CMTS 414 generates and sends a QoS request result messagesignal 581 communicating to the N3IWF 406 of 5G core 404, which is awireless network core, a response to the QoS request 575. In variousembodiments, the QoS request result message 581 includes informationindicating one of: i) request granted or ii) request failed. In variousembodiments, the QoS request result message 581 is based on whether thenegotiation with the CM 410 indicates a requested QoS level will besupported for the PDU session between the cable modem 410 and the CMTS414.

In step 582, N3IWF 406 receives signal 581 and recovers the communicatedinformation. In step 583, the N3IWF 406 generates and sends signal 584communicating QoS grant status information. In step 585 AMF 407 receivessignal 584 and recovers the communicated information.

In step 586, assuming the request has been granted, N3IWF 406 of 5G core404 generates and sends PDU session establishment accept signal 587 toUE 450, including the QoS expectation information, said signal beingcommunicated via the CMTS 414 and CM 410. In step 5861 the CMTS isoperated to communicate the PDU session establishment accept signal 587being sent by the N3IWF 406 of the 5G wireless core 404 to the UE 450via the cable modem 410 as part of establishing the PDU session. In step5862 the CM 410 is operated to communicate the PDU session establishmentaccept signal 587 being sent by the N3IWF 406 of the 5G wireless core404 along a path including the CMTS 414 and CM 410 to the UE 450 via andcable modem 410 as part of establishing the PDU session.

In step 588 UE 450 receives the PDU session establishment accept signal587 and recovers the communicated information indicating accept. As analternative to including QoS expectation information in step 586, instep 589, assuming the request has been granted, AMF 407 of 5GC 404generates and sends a NAS message 590, e.g., QoS grant message, via CMTS414 and CM 410 to UE 450 communicating QoS expectation information. Instep 5891 CMTS 414 is operated to communicate QoS expectationinformation message 590, being sent by the AMF 407 of the 5G wirelesscore 404 to the UE 450 via the cable modem 410. In step 5892 CM 404 isoperated to communicate QoS expectation information message 590, beingsent by the AMF 407 of the 5G wireless core 404 to the UE 450 along thepath including the CMTS 414 and CM 410.

In step 591, UE 450 receives NAS message 590 and recovers thecommunicated QoS expectation information. In step 592 UE 450 is operatedto make a decision whether to implement a handoff of an ongoing session,e.g. an ongoing voice session, from a cellular wireless network to saidPDU session based on the QoS expectation information. Thus, in step 592UE 450 decides to remain with 3GPP or to switch to non-3GPP radioaccess, e.g. ,with regard to the requested PDU session, based on whetheror not signals 587 and 590 are received and/or based on informationincluded in signals 587 and 590.

In step 593 UE 450 implements the decision of step 592. Assuming thedecision of step 592 is a decision to handoff, in step 593 the UE 450generates and sends a handoff signal 594 to AMF 407 of 5GC 404, saidhandoff signal 594 to be communicated via CM 410 and CMTS 414. In step596, the CM 410 is operated to communicate the handoff signal 594 beingsent from the UE 450 to the wireless core 404 via CM 410 and CMTS 414.In step 597, the CMTS 414 is operated to communicate the handoff signal594 being sent from the UE 450 to the wireless core 404 via CM 410 andCMTS 414, said handoff signal indicating a decision by the UE to handoffto said PDU session. In step 595 AMF 407 of 5GC core 404 receiveshandoff signal 597 and performs operations to implement the handoff.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart 600 of an exemplary communications method inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment. The method of flowchart 600 maybe implemented by an exemplary communications system, e.g.,communications system 400 of FIG. 4 . Operation starts in step 602 andproceeds to step 604.

In step 604 the cable modem termination system, e.g., CMTS 414, isoperated to communicate a PDU session establishment request, e.g.,signal 556, from a UE, e.g., UE 450, to a wireless network core, e.g.,5G core network 404, to establish a new PDU session for the UE.Operation proceeds from step 604 to step 606.

In step 606 the CMTS is operated to communicate PDU session signaling,e.g., PDU session signaling 570, between the UE and the wireless networkcore, said signaling communicating child security associationinformation for the new PDU session along with an IP address and portnumber to be used for the new PDU session. Operation proceeds from step606 to step 608.

In step 608, the CMTS receives a quality of service (QoS) request, e.g.,signal 575, requesting a desired level for QoS for a protocol data unit(PDU) session for the UE device, said QoS request including an IPaddress, e.g., address IP #A and port number, e.g., a port number ofCM#1, used for communicating with the UE via a cable modem, e.g., CM #1410, and the CMTS. In some embodiments, the PDU session is a protocoldata unit session over a logical connection between the UE and a datanetwork, e.g., data network 430, which traverses the cable modem and theCMTS. Operation proceeds from step 608 to step 610.

In step 610 the CMTS is operated to negotiate with the cable modem todetermine if the requested QoS can be supported, e.g., communicating CMconfigurations signals 579. In various embodiments, bandwidth isnegotiated based on service flow ID and IP/Port # mapping information.Operation proceeds from step 610 to step 612.

In step 612 the CMTS sends a QoS request result message, e.g., message581, communicating to the wireless network core a response to the QoSrequest. In some embodiments, the QoS request result message is based onwhether the negotiation with the cable modem indicates a requested QoSlevel will be supported for the PDU session between the cable modem andthe CMTS. In some embodiments, the QoS result message indicates one of:i) request granted or ii) request failed. Operation proceeds from step612 to step 614.

In step 614 the CMTS is operated to communicate a PDU sessionestablishment accept signal, e.g., signal 587, sent by the wireless coreto the UE via the cable modem as part of establishing the PDU session.Operation proceeds from step 614 to step 616.

In step 616 the CMTS is operated to communicate QoS expectationinformation, e.g. QoS expectation information 590 in a NAS message, sentby the wireless core to the UE via the cable modem. Operation proceedsfrom step 616 to step 618.

In step 618 the UE is operated to make a decision whether to implement ahandoff of an ongoing session, e.g., an ongoing voice session, from acellular wireless network, e.g., a LTE or new radio (NR) cellularwireless network, to said PDU session based on the communicated QoSexpectation information. Operation proceeds from step 618 to step 620.

In step 620 if the decision of step 618 if a decision to handoff thenoperation proceeds from step 620 to step 622; however, if the decisionof step 618 is a decision not to hand off then operation proceeds fromstep 620 to step 626.

In step 622 the CMTS is operated to communicate a handoff signal, e.g.,signal 594, from the UE to the wireless core, said handoff signalindicating a decision by the UE to handoff to the PDU session. Operationproceeds from step 622 to step 624. In step 624 the CMTS is operated tocommunicate packets for the PDU session, said communicated packets beingcommunicated between the CM and the CMTS, e.g., along cable 420, alongthe path between UE 450 and data network 430 or server 432, inaccordance with the communicated QoS expectation information. In step626 the UE is operated to continue to use the cellular wireless networkfor the ongoing session.

FIG. 7 is a drawing of an exemplary cable modem termination system(CMTS) 700 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. CMTS 700 is, e.g.CMTS 414 of FIGS. 4 and 5 . CMTS 700 includes a processor 702, e.g., aCPU, an assembly of hardware components 704, e.g., an assembly ofcircuits, a first I/O interface 706, e.g., a cable modems interface,including a receiver 708 and a transmitter 710, a second I/O interface736, e.g., a wireless core network interface, including a receiver 738and a transmitter 740, memory 712, an input device 716, e.g., akeyboard, mouse, etc., and an output device 714, e.g., a display,coupled together via a bus 717 over which the various elements mayinterchange data and information.

Memory 712 includes routines 718 and data/information 720. Routines 718includes control routines 722 and assembly of software components 724.Receiver 708 receives signals from a plurality of cable modems which arecoupled to the CMTS 700. Transmitter 710 transmits signals to theplurality of cable modems which are coupled to CMTS 700. Receiver 738receives signals from a wireless core network, e.g., a 5C core network,which is coupled to the CMTS 700. Transmitter 740 transmits signals to awireless core network, e.g. , a 5C core network, which is coupled to theCMTS 700.

FIG. 8 is a drawing of an exemplary assembly of components 800 inaccordance an exemplary embodiment. Assembly of components is, e.g.,included in cable modem termination system (CMTS) 414 of FIG. 4 or FIG.5 or CMTS 700 of FIG. 7 .

Assembly of components 800 may be included in an exemplary CMTS 700. Thecomponents in the assembly of components 800 can, and in someembodiments are, implemented fully in hardware within a processor, e.g.,processor 702, e.g., as individual circuits. The components in theassembly of components 800 can, and in some embodiments are, implementedfully in hardware within the assembly of hardware components 704, e.g.,as individual circuits corresponding to the different components. Inother embodiments some of the components are implemented, e.g., ascircuits, within processor 702 with other components being implemented,e.g., as circuits within assembly of components 704, external to andcoupled to the processor 702. As should be appreciated the level ofintegration of components on the processor and/or with some componentsbeing external to the processor may be one of design choice.Alternatively, rather than being implemented as circuits, all or some ofthe components may be implemented in software and stored in the memory712 of the CMTS 700, with the components controlling operation of CMTS700 to implement the functions corresponding to the components when thecomponents are executed by a processor e.g., processor 702. In some suchembodiments, the assembly of components 800 is included in the memory712 as assembly of software components 724. In still other embodiments,various components in assembly of components 800 are implemented as acombination of hardware and software, e.g., with another circuitexternal to the processor providing input to the processor which thenunder software control operates to perform a portion of a component'sfunction.

When implemented in software the components include code, which whenexecuted by a processor, e.g., processor 702, configure the processor toimplement the function corresponding to the component. In embodimentswhere the assembly of components 800 is stored in the memory 712, thememory 712 is a computer program product comprising a computer readablemedium comprising code, e.g., individual code for each component, forcausing at least one computer, e.g., processor 702, to implement thefunctions to which the components correspond.

Completely hardware based or completely software based components may beused. However, it should be appreciated that any combination of softwareand hardware, e.g., circuit implemented components may be used toimplement the functions. As should be appreciated, the componentsillustrated in FIG. 8 control and/or configure the CMTS 700 or elementstherein such as the processor 702, to perform the functions ofcorresponding steps illustrated and/or described in the method of one ormore of the signaling diagram 500 of FIG. 5 , the flowchart 600 of FIG.6 and/or described with respect to any of the Figures or text. Thus theassembly of components 800 includes various components that performfunctions of corresponding one or more described and/or illustratedsteps of an exemplary method, e.g., one or more steps of the method ofFIG. 5 or FIG. 6 .

Assembly of components 800 includes a component 804 configured tooperate the CMTS to communicate a PDU session establishment request froma UE to a wireless network core to establish a new PDU session for theUE, a component 806 configured to operate the CMTS to communicate PDUsession signaling between the UE and the wireless network core, saidsignaling communicating child security association information for thenew PDU session along with an IP address and port number to be used tofor the new PDU session, and a component 808 configured to control areceiver to receive at the cable mode termination system a quality ofservice request requesting a desired level for QoS for a protocol dataunit session for a user equipment device , said QoS request including anIP address and port number used for communicating with the UE via acable modem and the CMTS.

Assembly of components 800 further includes a component 810 configuredto operate the CMTS to negotiate with the cable modem to determine ifthe requested QoS can be supports, a component 812 configured to sendfrom the CMTS a QoS request result message communicating to a wirelessnetwork core a response to the QoS request, a component 814 configuredto se operate the CMTS to communicate a PDU session establishment acceptsignal send by the wireless core to the UE via the cable modem as partof establishing the PDU session, and a component 816 configured tooperate the CMTS to communicate QoS expectation information sent by thewireless core to the Ue via the cable modem.

Assembly of components 800 further includes a component 822 configuredto operate the CMTS to communicate a handoff signal from the UE to thewireless core, said handoff signal indicating a decision by the UE tohandoff to said PDU session, and a component 824 configured to operatethe CMTS to communicate packets for the PDU session, said communicatedpackets being communicated between the CM and CMTS in accordance withthe communicated QoS expectation information.

FIG. 9 is a drawing of an exemplary user equipment (UE) device 900 inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment. UE device 900 is, e.g., UEdevice 450 or 452 of FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 . UE device 900 includes a 3GPPcellular wireless receiver 904, e.g., a LTE/NR receiver, coupled to areceive antenna 905, a 3GPP cellular wireless transmitter 906, e.g., aLTE/NR transmitter, coupled to a transmit antenna 907, a non-3GPPwireless receiver 908, e.g., a WiFi wireless receiver, coupled to areceive antenna 909, a non-3GPP wireless transmitter 910, e.g., a WiFiwireless transmitter, coupled to a transmit antenna 911. In someembodiments, the same antenna is used for one or more of devices 904,906, 908, 910. In some embodiments a receiver/transmitter pair isincluded in a transceiver, e.g., a transceiver chip.

UE device 900 further includes an output device(s) 914, e.g., a display,speaker, etc., and an input device(s) 916, e.g., keyboard, keypad,switch, touch screen input interface, etc. The input and output devices(916, 914) are coupled to an I/O interface 912. UE device 900 furtherincludes a processor 902, e.g., a CPU, memory 920, and an assembly ofhardware components, e.g., assembly of circuits. Receiver 904,transmitter 906, receiver 908, transmitter 910, I/O interface 912,processor 902 and memory 920 are coupled together via a bus 930 viawhich the various elements many interchange data and information.

Memory 920 includes routines 922 and data/information 924. Routines 922includes control routines 926 and assembly of software components 928.UE device 900 may implement steps of the exemplary method of FIG. 5 ofFIG. 6 , e.g., steps performed by UE device 450, e.g., steps 516, 518,528, 530, 540, 552, 554, 568, 588, 591, 592, 593, 618, 620, and 626. Anexemplary step or portion of a step performed by UE 900 may beimplemented by processor 902, a component in assembly of hardwarecomponents 918 or a component in assembly of software components 928.

FIG. 10 is a drawing of an exemplary 3GPP core network 1000, e.g., a3GPP 5G core network server, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.3GPP core network 1000 is, e.g., 5G core network 404 of FIG. 4 or FIG. 5. 3GPP core network 1000 includes a processor 1002, e.g., a CPU, anassembly of hardware components 1004, e.g. assembly of circuits, an I/Ointerface 1006, memory 1012, a NSSF component 1022, a AUSF component1024, a UDM component 1026, a (R)AN component 1028, a UDF component1030, a PCF component 1032, a SMF component 1034, a N3IWF component1036, a AMF component 1038, and a AF component 1040 coupled together viaa bus 1042 over which the various elements may interchange data andinformation. In various embodiments, the (R)AN component 1028, e.g., a3GPP LTE/NR access point including a cellular wireless receiver and acellular wireless transmitter is located external to device 1000, and iscoupled to device 1000. In some embodiments, the UPF component 1030,e.g., including functionality similar to a serving gateway (SGW) and PDNpacket gateway (PGW), is located external to device 1000, and is coupledto device 1000.

N3IWF component 1036 is, e.g. N3IWF 406 of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 . AMFcomponent 1038 is, e.g. AMF 407 of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 . AF component 1040is, e.g. AF 418 of FIG. 4 . UPF 1030 is, e.g., UPF 409 of FIG. 4 . (R)AN1028 is, e.g., 3GPP RN 402 of FIGS. 4 and 5 .

I/O interface 1006 includes receiver 1008 and transmitter 1010. I/Ointerface 1006 couples the 3GPP core network 1000 to other networkdevices and/or networks, e.g., a cable modem termination system (CMTS),servers, a data network, a 3GPP LTE/NR access point, etc.

Memory 1012 includes routines 1014 and data/information 1016. Routines1014 includes control routines 1018 and assembly of software components1020.

The 3GPP core network 1000 may implement steps of the exemplary methodsof FIG. 5 performed by the 5G core 404, e.g., steps 558, 560, 564, 566,572, 573, 574, 582, 583, 585, 586, 589, and 595. An exemplary stepperformed by 3GPP core network or part of a step performed by 3GPP corenetwork 1000 may be implemented by processor 1002, a component inassembly of hardware components 1004, a component within assembly ofsoftware components 1020, NSSF component 1022, AUSF component 1024, UDMcomponent 1026, (R)AN component 1028, UDF component 1030, PCF component1032, a SMF component 1034, N3IWF component 1036, AMF component 1038, AFcomponent 1040, receiver 1008 or transmitter 1010. In some embodiments,one or more of: NSSF component 1022, AUSF component 1024, UDM component1026, (R)AN component 1028, UDF component 1030, PCF component 1032, aSMF component 1034, N3IWF component 1036, AMF component 1038, and AFcomponent 1040, are implemented in software and included in assembly ofsoftware components. In some embodiments, one or more or all of: NSSFcomponent 1022, AUSF component 1024, UDM component 1026, (R)AN component1028, UDF component 1030, PCF component 1032, a SMF component 1034,N3IWF component 1036, AMF component 1038, AF component 1040 correspondto different circuit boards in the 5GC core 1000.

Various aspects and/or features of the some embodiments of the presentinvention are discussed below. In various embodiments UEs, e.g., UE1 andUE2, can be, and sometimes are, connected to the same server via Docsisor 3GPP radio access, using a common 5G core network. An advantageousfeature of various embodiments, implemented in accordance with thepresent invention, is that an exemplary system allows the same Qualityof Experience (QoE) to be provided by the Docsis network when a UE ismoving from 3GPP radio access to non-3GPP radio access with backhaulusing Docsis network.

Exemplary use cases which benefit from the present invention aredescribed below.

Case 1: QoE based on different QoS (Quality of Service) Profiles fordifferent UE devices:

-   -   UE1 and UE2 are both attached to the same cable modem (CM).    -   UE1 has premium subscription (e.g., higher bandwidth and lower        latency).—UE2 only have best effort data subscription.

If both UEs are using bandwidth intense application (e.g. AugmentedReality type), UE1 will have better QoE than UE2.

Case 2: QoE based on different “slice” used in the network for differentUE devices:

-   -   UE3 and UE4 are both attached to same CM    -   UE3 is a special type of Internet of Things (IOT) device that        requires low bandwidth data pipe and can tolerate congestion in        the network. On the other hand, UE4 is another type of special        type of IOT device that requires fixed bandwidth at a certain        time of day.

In other words, UE3 and UE4 have different QoS requirements; hence, UE3and UE 4 are associated with different “network slice” in order to meettheir end to end QoS requirement.

Various features and/or aspects in accordance with some embodiments ofthe present invention are discussed below.

-   -   1. A UE behind the cable modem (CM) is identified by the cable        modem termination system (CMTS) using the associated IP        address/port#.    -   2. The IP address can be, and sometimes is, used by the 5GC to        discover the serving CMTS.    -   3. 5GC (5G Core network) passes the required QoS information to        CMTS to ensure the user or signaling plane can meet the expected        bandwidth and latency requirement.    -   4. The UE receives confirmation from the 5GC of the expected QoE        over Docsis.

This allows the UE to stay with 3GPP access to maintain the current QoEif Docsis is not able to provide the required QoS.

Various features and features of an exemplary method are describedbelow. An IPSEC tunnel is established between a UE and N3IWF via a besteffort data pipe between a CM and a CMTS. In exemplary step 1, aNon-3GPP access authentication signal, e.g., including User ID, networkslicing information, etc, is sent from the UE to the 5GC via the CM andCMTS, using a best effort data path between the CM and CMTS. Inexemplary step 2, the 5GC performs user authentication. In exemplarystep 3 the 5GC core grants access and sends an access granted signal,e.g., including a 5G GUTI, and A-NSSAI to the UE via the CMTS and theCM, using a best effort data path between the CMTS and CM. In exemplarystep 4, the 5GC generates and sends a QoS request including QoS requestlevel information and IP/port instruction information. In exemplary step5 the CMTS and CM negotiate bandwidth based on service flow ID andIP/Port# mapping. In exemplary step 6, the CMTS generates and sends aQoS Request Result signal to the 5GC. In exemplary step 7, the 5GCgenerates and sends QoS expectation information to the UE.

The main relevant input from step 1-3 is that the UE is, granted accessto 5GC and given the 5G identity (5G-GUTI) and also the allowed NetworkSlice Selection Assistance Information (A-NSSAI)) which is used toidentify the network slicing information.

At step 4, the 5GC is able to discover the CMTS based on the UE point ofattachment (i.e, the IP address assigned to the UE from CM/CMTS).

-   -   IP sec tunnel is established between UE and N3IWF prior to        step 1. N3IWF is aware of the UE assigned IP address.    -   Based on this information, N3IWF can identify the CMTS that is        serving this UE.

This security association may be associated with a specific QoS profilerequired at the Docsis level. I.e, for NAS (Network Access Stratum)signaling between UE and 5GC, or when UE is requesting a data sessionover non-3GPP access.

The required QoS profile is passed to N3IWF for the data session beingrequested during session establishment procedure.

-   -   As part of the 3GPP procedure, each PDU session can be        associated with a specific Child-SA (Security Association).    -   Each Child-SA that is created can be identified with the UE        assigned IP address (by CMTS) and specific port number that UE        is using for that application. N3-IWF passes the required        bandwidth and latency information associated with each security        association (SA) or child security association (Ch-SA) based on        IP/Port# to CMTS for scheduling purpose.

At step 5, CMTS and CM negotiated bandwidth based on service flow ID andIP/Port# mapping.

At step 6 CMTS indicates whether the required QoS per IP/Port# isgranted or failed to N3IWF. This information is passed back to AMF.

At step 7, AMF indicates to UE via NAS message regarding the QoEexpectation status. UE may stay at 3GPP if resource is QoE cannot be metover Docsis network.

The communication between N3IWF and CMTS is down over QoS control. Thecommunications between AMF and UE is done via N1 interfaceconnection(s).

In various exemplary embodiments implemented in accordance with featuresof the present invention, the user experience is maintained when movingbetween 3GPP and no-3GPP (with Docsis) access.

Numbered List of Exemplary Embodiments:

Method Embodiment 1 A communications method, the method comprising:receiving (575), at a cable mode termination system (CMTS) (414), a QoS(Quality of Service) request requesting a desired level of QoS for aProtocol Data Unit (PDU) session for a user equipment device (UE) (450),said QoS request including an IP address and port number used forcommunicating with the UE via a cable modem (410) and said CMTS; andsending (580), from the CMTS, a QoS request result message (581)communicating to a wireless network core a response to the QoS request.

Method Embodiment 2 The method of Method Embodiment 1, wherein said PDUsession is protocol data unit session over a logical connection betweenthe UE and a data network (430) which traverses the cable modem and theCMTS.

Method Embodiment 3 The method of Method Embodiment 1, furthercomprising: operating (577) the CMTS to negotiate with the cable modemto determine if the requested QoS can be supported; and wherein the QoSrequest result message (581) is based on whether the negotiation withthe cable modem indicates a requested QoS level will be supported forthe PDU session between the cable modem and the CMTS.

Method Embodiment 4 The method of Method Embodiment 3, wherein the QoSrequest result (581) indicates one of: i) request granted or ii) requestfailed.

Method Embodiment 5 The method of Method Embodiment 3, furthercomprising: prior to the CMTS receiving (576) the QoS request, operating(559) the CMTS to communicate a PDU session establishment request (556)from the UE to the wireless network core to establish a new PDU sessionfor the UE; and operating (567) the CMTS to communicate PDU sessionsignaling between the UE and wireless network core, said signaling (570)communicating child security association information for the new PDUsession along with an IP address and port number to be used for the newPDU session.

Method Embodiment 6 The method of Method Embodiment 5, furthercomprising: operating (5861) the CMTS to communicate a PDU sessionestablishment accept signal (587) sent by the wireless core to the UEvia the cable modem as part of establishing the PDU session.

Method Embodiment 7 The method of Method Embodiment 6, furthercomprising: operating (5891) the CMTS to communicate QoS expectationinformation (590), sent by the wireless core, to the UE via the cablemodem.

Method Embodiment 8 The method of Method Embodiment 7, wherein the QoSexpectation information is included in a grant result sent to the UE inan NAS (non-access stratum) message from the wireless core to the UE.

Method Embodiment 9 The method of Method Embodiment 7, furthercomprising: operating (592) the UE to make a decision whether toimplement a handoff of an ongoing voice session from a cellular wirelessnetwork to said PDU session based on the communicated QoS expectationinformation.

Method Embodiment 10 The method of Method Embodiment 7, furthercomprising: operating (597) the CMTS to communicate a handoff signal(594) from the UE to the wireless core, said handoff signal indicating adecision by the UE to handoff to said PDU session.

System Embodiment 11 A communications system comprising: a cable modemtermination system (CMTS) including: a receiver configured to receive,at a cable mode termination system (CMTS), a QoS (Quality of Service)request requesting a desired level of QoS for a Protocol Data Unit (PDU)session for a user equipment device (UE), said QoS request including anIP address and port number used for communicating with the UE via acable modem and said CMTS; and a transmitter configured to send, fromthe CMTS, a QoS request result message communicating to a wirelessnetwork core a response to the QoS request.

System Embodiment 12 The communications system of System Embodiment 11,wherein said PDU session is protocol data unit session over a logicalconnection between the UE and a data network which traverses the cablemodem and the CMTS.

System Embodiment 13 The communications system of System Embodiment 11,wherein said cable modem termination system further includes: a firstprocessor configured to operate the CMTS to negotiate with the cablemodem to determine if the requested QoS can be supported; and whereinthe QoS request result message is based on whether the negotiation withthe cable modem indicates a requested QoS level will be supported forthe PDU session between the cable modem and the CMTS.

System Embodiment 14 The communications system of System Embodiment 13,wherein the QoS request result indicates one of: i) request granted orii) request failed.

System Embodiment 15 The communications system of System Embodiment 13,wherein said first processor is further configured to: operate the CMTSto communicate, prior to the CMTS receiving the QoS request, a PDUsession establishment request from the UE to the wireless network coreto establish a new PDU session for the UE; and operate the CMTS tocommunicate, prior to the CMTS receiving the QoS request, PDU sessionsignaling between the UE and wireless network core, said signalingcommunicating child security association information for the new PDUsession along with an IP address and port number to be used for the newPDU session.

System Embodiment 16 The communications system of System Embodiment 15,wherein said first processor is further configured to: operate the CMTSto communicate a PDU session establishment accept signal sent by thewireless core to the UE via the cable modem as part of establishing thePDU session.

System Embodiment 17 The communications system of System Embodiment 16,wherein said first processor is further configured to: operate the CMTSto communicate QoS expectation information, sent by the wireless core,to the UE via the cable modem.

System Embodiment 18 The communications system of System Embodiment 17,further comprising said UE device; and wherein said UE device includes asecond processor configured to operate the UE to make a decision whetherto implement a handoff of an ongoing voice session from a cellularwireless network to said PDU session based on the communicated QoSexpectation information.

System Embodiment 19 The communications system of System Embodiment 17,wherein said first processor is further configured to: operate the CMTSto communicate a handoff signal from the UE to the wireless core, saidhandoff signal indicating a decision by the UE to handoff to said PDUsession.

Computer Readable Medium Embodiment 20 A non-transitory computerreadable medium including computer executable instructions which whenexecuted by one or more processors of a communications system cause thecommunications system to perform the steps of: receiving, at a cablemode termination system (CMTS), a QoS (Quality of Service) requestrequesting a desired level of QoS for a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessionfor a user equipment device (UE), said QoS request including an IPaddress and port number used for communicating with the UE via a cablemodem and said CMTS; and sending, from the CMTS, a QoS request resultmessage communicating to a wireless network core a response to the QoSrequest.

Computer Readable Medium Embodiment 21 The non-transitory computerreadable medium of Computer Readable Medium Embodiment 20, wherein saidPDU session is protocol data unit session over a logical connectionbetween the UE and a data network which traverses the cable modem andthe CMTS.

Computer Readable Medium Embodiment 22 The non-transitory computerreadable medium of Computer Readable Medium Embodiment 20, furthercomprising: computer executable instructions which when executed by oneor more processors of a communications system cause the communicationssystem to perform the steps of: operating the CMTS to negotiate with thecable modem to determine if the requested QoS can be supported; andwherein the QoS request result message is based on whether thenegotiation with the cable modem indicates a requested QoS level will besupported for the PDU session between the cable modem and the CMTS.

The techniques of various embodiments may be implemented using software,hardware and/or a combination of software and hardware. Variousembodiments are directed to apparatus and/or systems, e.g., cable modemtermination system (CMTSs), cable modems (CMs), a cable system includingWiFi access components and using cable, e.g., coaxial cable for at leasta portion of the backhaul, user equipment (UE) devices, a wirelesscellular system, e.g., a 3GPP cellular system including LTE/NR wirelessaccess components and using fiber for at least a portion of thebackhaul, a 5G core network, core network components, a data network,access points, e.g., 3GPP LT/NR access points, e.g., base stations,non-3GPP access points, e.g., a WiFi access point, e.g., base station,data networks, servers, a hybrid 3GPP/cable network system including acommon core network, e.g., a 5G core network, etc. Various embodimentsare also directed to methods, e.g., method of controlling and/oroperating a system or device, e.g., a communications system, a cablenetwork system, a hybrid cellular and cable network system, a CMTS, aUE, a CM, a 5G core network, a 5G core network function component, etc.Various embodiments are also directed to machine, e.g., computer,readable medium, e.g., ROM, RAM, CDs, hard discs, etc., which includemachine readable instructions for controlling a machine to implement oneor more steps of a method. The computer readable medium is, e.g.,non-transitory computer readable medium.

While various features have been explained in the context of anexemplary 5G system it should be appreciated that the features andembodiments are not limited to 5G and can be used with other systems,e.g., 4G systems. To the extent that devices described in thisapplication using 5G terminology it is to be understood that thelanguage is used to explain the invention and not to limit theapplication to 5G implements but the features can be used with othersystems which have the same or similar functionality to the exemplary 5Gcomponents.

It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in theprocesses and methods disclosed is an example of exemplary approaches.Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific orderor hierarchy of steps in the processes and methods may be rearrangedwhile remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. Theaccompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in asample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order orhierarchy presented. In some embodiments, one or more processors areused to carry out one or more steps of the each of the describedmethods.

In various embodiments each of the steps or elements of a method areimplemented using one or more processors. In some embodiments, each ofelements are steps are implemented using hardware circuitry.

In various embodiments nodes and/or elements described herein areimplemented using one or more components to perform the stepscorresponding to one or more methods, for example, performingauthentication, identifying, generating a message, message reception,signal processing, sending, communicating, e.g., receiving andtransmitting, comparing, negotiating, making a decision, determiningand/or transmission steps. Thus, in some embodiments various featuresare implemented using components or in some embodiments logic such asfor example logic circuits. Such components may be implemented usingsoftware, hardware or a combination of software and hardware. Many ofthe above described methods or method steps can be implemented usingmachine executable instructions, such as software, included in a machinereadable medium such as a memory device, e.g., RAM, floppy disk, etc. tocontrol a machine, e.g., general purpose computer with or withoutadditional hardware, to implement all or portions of the above describedmethods, e.g., in one or more nodes. Accordingly, among other things,various embodiments are directed to a machine-readable medium, e.g., anon-transitory computer readable medium, including machine executableinstructions for causing a machine, e.g., processor and associatedhardware, to perform one or more of the steps of the above-describedmethod(s). Some embodiments are directed to a device, e.g., a CMTS, aCM, user device such as a UE, a Wifi AP, a core device, a server, acommunication node, etc., including a processor configured to implementone, multiple or all of the steps of one or more methods of theinvention.

In some embodiments, the processor or processors, e.g., CPUs, of one ormore devices, are configured to perform the steps of the methodsdescribed as being performed by the devices, e.g., communication nodes.The configuration of the processor may be achieved by using one or morecomponents, e.g., software components, to control processorconfiguration and/or by including hardware in the processor, e.g.,hardware components, to perform the recited steps and/or controlprocessor configuration. Accordingly, some but not all embodiments aredirected to a device, e.g., communications node such as a CMTS, with aprocessor which includes a component corresponding to each of the stepsof the various described methods performed by the device in which theprocessor is included. In some but not all embodiments a device, e.g.,communications node such as a CMTS, includes a component correspondingto each of the steps of the various described methods performed by thedevice in which the processor is included. The components may beimplemented using software and/or hardware.

Some embodiments are directed to a computer program product comprising acomputer-readable medium, e.g., a non-transitory computer-readablemedium, comprising code for causing a computer, or multiple computers,to implement various functions, steps, acts and/or operations, e.g. oneor more steps described above. Depending on the embodiment, the computerprogram product can, and sometimes does, include different code for eachstep to be performed. Thus, the computer program product may, andsometimes does, include code for each individual step of a method, e.g.,a method of controlling a controller or node. The code may be in theform of machine, e.g., computer, executable instructions stored on acomputer-readable medium, e.g., a non-transitory computer-readablemedium, such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory) orother type of storage device. In addition to being directed to acomputer program product, some embodiments are directed to a processorconfigured to implement one or more of the various functions, steps,acts and/or operations of one or more methods described above.Accordingly, some embodiments are directed to a processor, e.g., CPU,configured to implement some or all of the steps of the methodsdescribed herein. The processor may be for use in, e.g., acommunications device such as a controller or other device described inthe present application.

Numerous additional variations on the methods and apparatus of thevarious embodiments described above will be apparent to those skilled inthe art in view of the above description. Such variations are to beconsidered within the scope. Numerous additional embodiments, within thescope of the present invention, will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art in view of the above description and the claims whichfollow. Such variations are to be considered within the scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A communications method, the method comprising:receiving, at a cable mode termination system (CMTS), a QoS (Quality ofService) request requesting a desired level of QoS for a Protocol DataUnit (PDU) session for a user equipment device (UE), said QoS requestincluding an IP address and port number used for communicating with theUE via a cable modem and said CMTS; and sending, from the CMTS, a QoSrequest result message communicating to a wireless network core aresponse to the QoS request.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said PDUsession is a protocol data unit session over a logical connectionbetween the UE and a data network which traverses the cable modem andthe CMTS.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said QoS request is from thewireless network core; and wherein the method further comprises:operating the CMTS to negotiate with the cable modem to determine if therequested QoS can be supported; and wherein the QoS request resultmessage is based on whether the negotiation with the cable modemindicates a requested QoS level will be supported for the PDU sessionbetween the cable modem and the CMTS.
 4. The method of claim 3, whereinthe QoS request further includes a requested level of QoS; and whereinthe QoS request result message indicates one of: i) request granted orii) request failed.
 5. The method of claim 3, further comprising: priorto the CMTS receiving the QoS request, operating the CMTS to communicatea PDU session establishment request from the UE to the wireless networkcore to establish a new PDU session for the UE; and operating the CMTSto communicate PDU session signaling between the UE and wireless networkcore, said signaling communicating child security associationinformation for the new PDU session along with an IP address and portnumber to be used for the new PDU session.
 6. The method of claim 5,further comprising: operating the CMTS to communicate a PDU sessionestablishment accept signal sent by the wireless network core to the UEvia the cable modem as part of establishing the PDU session.
 7. Themethod of claim 6, further comprising: operating the CMTS to communicateQoS expectation information, sent by the wireless network core, to theUE via the cable modem.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein the QoSexpectation information is included in a grant result sent to the UE inan NAS (non-access stratum) message from the wireless network core tothe UE.
 9. The method of claim 7, further comprising: operating the UEto make a decision whether to implement a handoff of an ongoing voicesession from a cellular wireless network to said PDU session based onthe communicated QoS expectation information.
 10. The method of claim 9,further comprising: operating the CMTS to communicate a handoff signalfrom the UE to the wireless network core, said handoff signal indicatinga decision by the UE to handoff to said PDU session.
 11. Acommunications system comprising: a cable modem termination system(CMTS) including: a receiver configured to receive, at the cable modetermination system (CMTS), a QoS (Quality of Service) request requestinga desired level of QoS for a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session for a userequipment device (UE), said QoS request including an IP address and portnumber used for communicating with the UE via a cable modem and saidCMTS; and a transmitter configured to send, from the CMTS, a QoS requestresult message communicating to a wireless network core a response tothe QoS request.
 12. The communications system of claim 11, wherein saidPDU session is a protocol data unit session over a logical connectionbetween the UE and a data network which traverses the cable modem andthe CMTS.
 13. The communications system of claim 12, wherein said cablemodem termination system further includes: a first processor configuredto operate the CMTS to negotiate with the cable modem to determine ifthe requested QoS can be supported; and wherein the QoS request resultmessage is based on whether the negotiation with the cable modemindicates a requested QoS level will be supported for the PDU sessionbetween the cable modem and the CMTS.
 14. The communications system ofclaim 13, wherein the QoS request result message indicates one of: i)request granted or ii) request failed.
 15. The communications system ofclaim 13, wherein said first processor is further configured to: operatethe CMTS to communicate, prior to the CMTS receiving the QoS request, aPDU session establishment request from the UE to the wireless networkcore to establish a new PDU session for the UE; and operate the CMTS tocommunicate, prior to the CMTS receiving the QoS request, PDU sessionsignaling between the UE and wireless network core, said signalingcommunicating child security association information for the new PDUsession along with an IP address and port number to be used for the newPDU session.
 16. The communications system of claim 15, wherein saidfirst processor is further configured to: operate the CMTS tocommunicate a PDU session establishment accept signal sent by thewireless network core to the UE via the cable modem as part ofestablishing the PDU session.
 17. The communications system of claim 16,wherein said first processor is further configured to: operate the CMTSto communicate QoS expectation information, sent by the wireless networkcore, to the UE via the cable modem.
 18. The communications system ofclaim 17, further comprising said UE device; and wherein said UE deviceincludes a second processor configured to operate the UE to make adecision whether to implement a handoff of an ongoing voice session froma cellular wireless network to said PDU session based on thecommunicated QoS expectation information.
 19. The communications systemof claim 17, wherein said first processor is further configured to:operate the CMTS to communicate a handoff signal from the UE to thewireless network core, said handoff signal indicating a decision by theUE to handoff to said PDU session.
 20. A non-transitory computerreadable medium including computer executable instructions which whenexecuted by one or more processors of a communications system cause thecommunications system to perform the steps of: receiving, at a cablemode termination system (CMTS), a QoS (Quality of Service) requestrequesting a desired level of QoS for a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessionfor a user equipment device (UE), said QoS request including an IPaddress and port number used for communicating with the UE via a cablemodem and said CMTS; and sending, from the CMTS, a QoS request resultmessage communicating to a wireless network core a response to the QoSrequest.